What's Happening?
Russia has launched a full-scale war against Ukraine, resulting in significant loss of life, displacement of civilians, and a growing humanitarian crisis across Ukraine and neighbouring countries.
To find out the latest, visit BBC News: Ukraine War
How May This Affect Students?
International conflicts and humanitarian disasters can have a significant emotional impact. Some students at Bath may:
- Have family or friends living in Ukraine or the surrounding region
- Be personally affected by ongoing news coverage and uncertainty
- Feel overwhelmed, distressed, or anxious about the situation
Support is available, and students are encouraged to seek help if they are struggling.
How Can You Help?
If you would like to take action, there are a number of ways you can support those affected by the war.
Donate What You Can
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has brought together 15 leading UK aid charities, including Oxfam, Save the Children UK and the British Red Cross, to provide emergency support. Their charities and local partners are on the ground in Ukraine and neighbouring countries, providing food, water, shelter and medical assistance.
Examples of what donations could provide:
- £10 could provide one person with hygiene supplies for a month
- £50 could provide blankets for four families
- £100 could provide food for two families for a month
Donate to the DEC here
Learn More and Educate Others
Building your knowledge can help you engage with the situation in a meaningful way. You may wish to:
- Read about what is happening across the region
- Develop your understanding of why this war is happening
- Explore the humanitarian and political consequences
- Learn more about how refugees are being treated and supported
Write to Your MP
Writing to your MP is one way to push for political action.
- You can find your MP using this search tool: Find MPs
- MPs can be contacted by post or email
- Students can contact the MP for Bath or the MP in their home constituency
Using your knowledge of the Ukraine crisis, you could ask your MP to:
- Push the Government to do more to support Ukraine
- Improve pathways for refugees
- Increase sanctions or humanitarian assistance
In response, your MP may:
- Share their views
- Explain how they have raised the issue in Parliament
- Forward your concerns to a government minister
Attend Events and Sign Petitions
Demonstrations are a powerful way to show solidarity and demand change. Look out for rallies, protests and vigils supporting Ukraine. Showing up in person can make a strong statement of public support
You could also look for petitions calling for greater support for Ukraine and refugees. When enough signatures are collected, issues must be debated in Parliament. You can view current petitions at:
https://petition.parliament.uk/
Where Can Students Seek Support?
At times like these, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed. While thinking about the devastating events in Ukraine, it is important to prioritise your own wellbeing. Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Hepburn explains that when faced with uncertainty, people often seek constant information, which can increase anxiety:
“The way we seek clarity is to look for more information, but that often creates less clarity, because we’re seeing the same information again and again and it doesn’t allow us to step back.”
Taking breaks from the news and reaching out for support can help.
The University has a dedicated webpage for supporting those affected by this: Advice for students and staff affected by the invasion of Ukraine